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China, Africa to jointly seek restoration of int’l economic order

China will an additional 34 per cent tariffs on all American imports, beginning April 10, in retaliation for Donald Trump's 34 per cent levy. Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping during an international business meeting on March 28

By Uche Oko

China and 53 African countries have declared their determination to forge a joint action to defend international equity and justice and safeguard the international economic and trade order in the face of growing tariffs and protectionism.

The declaration is part of the 12 resolutions reached by Chinese and African leaders, who gathered in Changsha, Hunan Province to discuss the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era as part of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

This is even as Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo sent congratulatory letters to the participants at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, China.

As part of the signing of the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, China expressed its willingness to expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market.

The regions agreed that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries, adding that the countries of the Global South seek to address this

The declaration went further thus: “Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.

“The African side commends China’s courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries’ commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.

“We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.

“We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.

“We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”

Anambra State government says governorship candidates must pay N50m permit fee for campaign billboards, all outdoor activities

  • This is the height of illegality— Falana

With campaigns for the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State taking off on Wednesday, the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency has pegged ₦50 million as a permit fee for each political party before being allowed to mount billboards and other outdoor campaigning activities.

The Managing Director of the Agency, Tony Ujubuonu, disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing at its headquarters in Awka, on Wednesday; an action notable rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, described as “the height of illegality.”

Ujubuonu said the briefing became necessary to inform the political parties and their candidates on the out-of-home promotions and visual campaign guidelines for the upcoming governorship election.

He said the statutory permit fee is only payable to the Anambra State Government coffers, adding that the permit fee grants the contestants the right to deploy their campaign materials such as posters, public address systems, street storms, rallies, branded vehicles, fliers, T-shirts, caps, buntings and sundry in locations across the cities, villages and communities of the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, no fewer than 16 political parties have been cleared for the election, thereby making it a sum total of N800 million that is expected to go into the state coffers.

Ujubuonu said, “In line with the regulatory framework guiding political campaign activities in Anambra State, and following the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by INEC today June 11, 2025, we wish to formally inform all political parties, the press and the general public of the out-of-home promotions and visual campaign guidelines for the 2025 governorship campaign in Anambra State.

“Therefore, this briefing is both timely and essential for orderly and lawful campaign season in our dear state. The campaign fee grants the parties the right to deploy their campaign materials and activities using posters, public address systems, branded vehicles, banners, fliers, bunting, T-shirts, caps, street storms, rallies and sundry in locations across the cities, villages and communities of the 21 local government areas of the state.”

According to him, ANSAA was created by the Anambra State Government and established by law on September 16, 2010, for the purpose of regulating the use of out-of-home advertising structures, controlling outdoor structures to be used for signage and advertisements across the state.

He further noted that the Agency is empowered to issue permits and licenses for the construction and deployment of signage and advertisements, ensure environmental aesthetics and collect the appropriate revenues on behalf of the state government.

“We appeal to all political parties, their supporters, and the general public to consider the other users of the advertising and visual promotion space in the state and refrain from defacing the campaign materials of opponents. Such actions are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of fair democratic engagement.

“No individual, political parties, or support group is permitted to erect billboards or any advertisement structures in any part of Anambra State. Only advertising practitioners registered and licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) – a Federal Government agency- are authorised to erect and manage such structures within the state, as permitted by ANSAA,” he added.

The Agency’s boss further urged all political parties and candidates to work with ARCON-registered practitioners to avoid sanctions or removal of unapproved materials, just as he said that the campaign is among brothers and a campaign to assist Ndi Anambra fulfill their civil duty and not a do or die affair.

He warned all candidates, their supporters, and the general public to avoid violence, provocation, and any form of unprofessional conduct as it relates to public promotion, advertising and campaigns, calling on media practitioners to support ANSAA in ensuring a peaceful campaign process across the state.

He added that the agency has duly informed all the political parties and their candidates, including the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, noting that he would make them public as soon as they begin to comply.

The political parties and candidates are yet to react to the development.

Ojude Oba: An enduring legacy of history, culture and heritage

By Olufunke Baruwa

Every year, on the third day after Eid-el-Kabir, the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria transforms into a vibrant cultural stage for the Ojude Oba festival—a spectacular convergence of tradition, religion, and royalty that celebrates Yoruba identity and communal pride.

What began as a modest homage to a monarch by early Muslim converts in the 19th century has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant displays of cultural heritage, showcasing the power of tradition to unite, inspire, and renew.

Ojude Oba, “the King’s forecourt” in Yoruba, is not just a festival. It is a symbolic act of homage, a living record of Ijebu history, and a reminder of how Nigeria’s diverse cultures can exist in harmony. In an era when modernity often threatens to erase tradition, Ojude Oba stands tall as a beacon of cultural resilience and pride.

History has it that long before Christianity and Islam, there was the Ode Nla Festival, a practice of paying homage to the monarch, ‘Awujale’ of Ijebu land by dignitaries and subjects with their symbols of worship. This practice morphed into Ojude Oba as we know it today during a time of religious transition.

A Cultural History Rooted in Identity

In the 1800s, as Christianity expanded into Ijebu-Ode, monogamy was a condition for new converts. Balogun Kuku, a wealthy and influential man with more than thirty wives and hundreds of slaves, converted to Islam instead, which had no restrictions, and influenced many Ijebus.

Earlier, Balogun Kuku led the Ode Nla Festival honouring deities and the Awujale. Islam however, discouraged such practices. Rather than abandoning the festival, he initiated a new festival called Ita-Oba festival, later renamed Ojude Oba aligning with his faith that preserved respect for culture. This quickly became a beloved tradition featuring a colourful cultural carnival with elaborate processions, competitions, horse-riding displays, music, fashion, and the full splendour of Ijebu pageantry.

At the heart of Ojude Oba lies a carefully curated cultural architecture and richness epitomised by the parade of age grades known as Regberegbe groups. These social clubs, organised by age and gender, have existed for centuries. Each group dons strikingly coordinated attire and takes turns to salute the Awujale, showcase their community projects and achievements, and demonstrate unity, wealth, and creativity.

Next are the aristocratic Baloguns—descendants of Ijebu warlords—who arrive on horseback in regalia reminiscent of ancient warriors. Their equestrian parades, often choreographed to drums and praise chants, embody the martial history of the Ijebu people and serve as a living bridge between the past and present.

Ojude Oba is also a major fashion statement and a makeshift runway for Yoruba haute couture of aso-oke, damask, lace, embroidery, beadwork, and luxurious gele and fila headwear come together in an explosion of elegance and pride. In recent years, fashion influencer Farooq Oreagba, aka Mr. Steeze, has dominated the festival’s style scene. He describes Ojude Oba as a “leveller” where all members of age groups, regardless of wealth or status, come together in shared celebration.

A Platform for Social and Cultural Cohesion

In Nigeria’s complex mosaic of religion and ethnicity, Ojude Oba offers a powerful counter-narrative of social cohesion, culture, history, identity and civic responsibility welcoming Muslims, Christians, and followers of African traditional religion alike. The presence of dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians, business leaders, and citizens from across Nigeria underscores the unifying power of culture.

Beyond its symbolic and historical significance, Ojude Oba is a major economic driver for the region. The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually, including members of the Ijebu diaspora, tourists, scholars, and culture enthusiasts. Hotels, restaurants, tailors, event planners, photographers, traders, and transport operators all benefit from the massive influx of people. The town’s economy receives a significant boost and patronage each year.

Corporate sponsorship from telecoms, banking, and consumer goods companies has professionalised festival management, blending tradition with commerce. This partnership highlights how cultural heritage can be ethically monetised, preserving authenticity while enabling growth.

The festival has gained international attention, with media coverage spreading across Africa and the diaspora. For Nigeria, a country still battling to diversify its economy beyond oil, Ojude Oba is a compelling case study in how cultural tourism can be developed into a viable industry. It is also an opportunity to tell positive stories of beauty, resilience, tradition, and pride about the country.

In many societies today, the allure of global pop culture has eroded indigenous traditions. Festivals like Ojude Oba, however, prove that modernisation need not come at the cost of cultural identity. The festival affirms Ijebu, Yoruba, and Nigerian heritage, providing younger generations with a strong sense of belonging and pride.

The festival also serves as an important archival function. The processions, songs, attire, and oral histories recited during the celebrations contribute to the preservation of cultural knowledge that might otherwise be lost. In a world where language and tradition are increasingly endangered, such festivals are a lifeline.

There is growing advocacy for Ojude Oba’s recognition by UNESCO as part of Nigeria’s intangible cultural heritage. Such status would bring global attention and stimulate investments in infrastructure and preservation.

Leadership and Legacy

The current Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has played a monumental role in nurturing the festival, elevating it to national prominence. Since his ascension to the throne in 1960, he has led with vision, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to preserving Ijebu culture.

Under his reign, the festival has transformed from a local Islamic observance to a globally recognised cultural event. His efforts to institutionalise the Regberegbe system, modernise the palace infrastructure, and promote Ijebu unity have had a lasting impact. Ojude Oba, under his guidance, has become both a mirror and a map—a reflection of Ijebu’s past and a guide to its future.

The role of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria has been widely debated, especially in the context of governance, democracy, and development. Ojude Oba offers a powerful rebuttal to those who dismiss traditional leadership as outdated and shows how culture and leadership can intersect to strengthen social capital, drive development, and instil values.

As we move deeper into the 21st century, the relevance of festivals like Ojude Oba becomes even more critical. Nigeria faces immense challenges, economic uncertainty, insecurity, political disillusionment, and social fragmentation. In such times, people often look to tradition for stability, meaning, and hope. Culture becomes a compass, proof that faith and tradition can coexist, that history must be celebrated and not forgotten, and that leadership rooted in service and vision can truly transform communities.

To sustain the festival’s momentum, deliberate efforts must be made to document its history, mentor the next generation of organisers, and develop infrastructure that can support its growing scale. Policymakers must begin to treat cultural festivals as strategic assets worthy of investment, protection, and global promotion.

Ojude Oba is more than a festival, it is a living monument to Ijebu ingenuity, a ceremonial embrace of history, and a vibrant testament to the enduring power of culture. In a country often caught in the throes of division, it offers a teachable moment in unity and identity.

The 2025 Ojude Oba was not just another spectacular array of culture and tradition, beauty and pageantry but also a reflection on the concept of community, resilience, and the limitless potential of culture as a force for good.

President Tinubu must revisit the role of private and vested interests in the electricity value chain

Reflections by Chris Kwaja

In May 2025, Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, formally ratified and adopted a roadmap for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) by approving the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP). The content of the policy represents an ambitious and deliberate attempt to prioritize accessible and affordable electricity in the country. This is quite commendable.

One of the low-hanging fruits in achieving this vision would be to “cut the head of the snake” by revisiting the role of private and vested interests in the electricity value chain. Outside the oil sector, the power sector has continued to serve the interest of a few, as a cash cow. The poor suffer the most.

As it stands, parts of Jos, Bauchi, are Gombe are in total darkness under the guise of maintenance by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. What would be the economic cost of such a decision on businesses and families? Unfortunately, the country’s consumer protection agency or public has been dormant.

As the state and local governments get more resources, they should develop a policy on renewable energy in order to power our rural communities. It’s doable. All it requires is a cut in the cost of governance.

On Wike and his threat to revoke embassy lands in Abuja

Mr. Minister of the FCT, Sir (Nyesome Wike), be informed that the media trial of embassies in Nigeria, as per threat of revoking their land titles over ground rent, is utter disrespect for international conventions and an act of illegality under international law.

Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which concerns the inviolability of the premises of a diplomatic mission, states that the premises of embassies cannot be entered by representatives of the host country without the consent of the head of the mission.

The host country is also obligated to protect the premises from intrusion or damage, and it cannot search, seize, or attach the premises, furnishings, property, or means of transport.

In simple terms, an embassy, no matter how big or small a country is, is an extension of its mother country in terms of sovereignty.

Why Nigeria cannot become a one-party state

By Funke Egbemode

KOKO: Is this how Nigeria is finally going to become a one-party state?

Kaka: Nigeria is not capable of becoming a one-party state, trust me.

Koko: It is either you are suffering from a bad case of high fever or you are in denial. Can you not see or hear what is going on around you?

Kaka: Because some politicians are changing locations?

Koko: They are many. They are porting, defecting, jumping ship.

Kaka: You are going to burst an artery because a few politicians are moving from PDP and LP to APC? You are the one with fever but I can and will cure you.

Koko: Cure me with what? Do you have a magic wand to make those who have defected to return to their original locations? Maybe you should just wave it so there will be peace in our political space.

Kaka: The problem with you is you like to swallow Panadol for another man’s headache. Look, brace yourself, more politicians will port or jump ship as you have described it in the days ahead. Indeed, the 2027 election most likely will be just a formality because by then, everybody would be in APC.

Koko: And you are sitting there calmly and telling me one-party state is not possible in Nigeria?

Kaka: I am not just telling you Nigeria is not going to become a one-party state, I am assuring you that one-party state is not in the destiny of Nigeria.

Koko: You are now an astrologer or ‘babalawo’, abi?

Kaka: You don’t have to be a star-gazer to see what I am seeing. You just need to be less emotional. You and I will break it down together and you will see that what is going on will be short-lived. It is like the 10 o’clock recess we used to have in primary school in those days.

Koko: By the time you pulled up your shorts in the toilet, the bell would have gone and we would all be running back to our classrooms. So, who is going to ring the bell in this matter?

Kaka: The politicians themselves are the time–keepers.

Koko: I am confused.

Kaka: Nigerian politicians, most of them, are driven by greed and selfishness. They are not in that your political space to serve. It is just a money-making venture for them, service is what they do as a side hustle to hoodwink us. It is that greed and selfishness that will ruin whatever they think they have perfected now.

Koko: In other words, they are not defecting to serve us?

Kaka: Are they driving you to work in their tear-rubber vehicles? Dey play.

Koko: But they are representing us.

Kaka: How many of you are they representing?

Koko: All of us.

Kaka: So, they called you to a meeting to ask for your opinion on this defection frenzy?

Koko: No, not exactly. But leave all those details. Tell me how everybody migrating into one political party will not turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

Kaka: For starters, those governors who have moved have done so with their whole structures. They were leaders in their old parties as governors.

Koko: Yes, all governors are leaders of their parties in their states.

Kaka: The parties they are coming into have existing structures and leaders and the migrants are not political minions. The old leaders and the new ones are now struggling for space.

Koko: I see where this is going to. I see clash of leaders.

Kaka: You are seeing well.

Koko: But so far, they have not fought.

Kaka: They are doing press-ups. It is still early days yet. At worst, they are pretending to be friends. Soon, the gloves will come off and agbadas will start flying with unprintable expletives.

Koko: They are leaders. They will not fight in the open.

Kaka: They will fight in the marketplace. They will fight on Arise Television and Channels. Seun Okinbaloye will separate old men fighting. You will see them on TVC and AIT bringing out juju and threatening one another.

Koko: Members of the same party? That will be like the masquerade removing his own veil.

Kaka: These masquerades have no veil. They only have interests, permanent self-interest. If it is not working for them, it will not work for any of us. How can some people who have benefited in full in PDP come into APC to benefit in full again?

Koko: Are you a member of PDP?

Kaka: That is not the point here. Even PDP, I’m not sure, of who its members are right now. The frenzied movement is dizzying.

Koko: Well, it will still be only one party, irrespective of whatever kind of fight they choose to do.

Kaka: No. They won’t be able to stay in their bubble for long. See, the old leaders had promised their followers certain positions which the new leaders and the people they are bringing also want. The P.As want to be SSA. The commissioners want to become D-Gs and Ministers and Ambassadors. The sharing formula will now have to be re-shared because there are now many leaders. As the leaders are fighting, so will the followers.

Koko: Are you predicting an implosion?

Kaka: I am telling you that politicians will do whatever they need to do to get to where they want to go.

Koko: Hmmm, they will board any vehicle that will take them to their destination.

Kaka: Didn’t PDP look formidable and impregnable once upon a time? Did the members not strut like peacocks and told us they would be in power for 60 years?

Koko: Then we woke up one day and there was New PDP, with governors leading a rebellion that eventually sank the ship.

Kaka: God forbid, it will not happen in APC.

Koko: Amen.

Kaka: What kind of an unbeliever’s amen is that?

Koko: So now you know there are different kinds of amen. Wait until 10 people want the same APC flag.

Kaka: Baba knows how to whip everybody into line. He is a quintessential strategist. Why do you think everybody is falling all over themselves to be in his camp?

Koko: All that is true. Close your eyes for a minute, travel to 2031 when Baba would have finished his second term. Tell me, did you see a successor with the same charm and grip on the reins? What then?

Kaka: That bridge is too far ahead.

Koko: Perhaps. I don’t even think we will have to wait till 2031 before we start seeing things. Wait until it gets to the season of party primaries. Selfishness will clash with entitlement mentality. We-have-been-here-for-years will go to war with carpetbaggers.

Kaka: it is always a difficult season.

Koko: I find it colourful and entertaining. The mud-slinging would read like movie scripts.

Kaka: And that is when a new coalition will surface?

Koko: All the unhappy, aggrieved people will bandy together and start addressing press conferences right, left and center. They will all suddenly discover their love for us the oppressed and beleaguered people of the Federal Republic. Then they would form a new group and call it one saintly name.

Kaka: You are saying that coalitions are formed by politicians for politicians and not for the people?

Koko: I am saying it with my whole mouth. And that is why Nigeria cannot become a one-party state.

Kaka: There is no single party that can accommodate the ambition of all of them. They will never agree on anything when it comes to who gets the longest convoy. When eight people throw their hats in the ring for governorship primaries, they all somehow, unexplainably, believe they will all win. When one person wins, the others start a war, sometimes seven different wars of the defeated.

Koko: That is what will happen beginning from 2026.

Kaka: Baba will control it, don’t worry.

Koko: When Baba retires to Lagos in 2031, these ones I am looking at will set the house on fire if they don’t get what they want o.

Kaka: Or they will migrate again and board another All Purpose Vehicle.

Koko: And bring back to life PRP or GNPP.

Kaka: Chaiii! I can almost hear Alhaji Aminu Kano and Waziri Ibrahim groaning in their graves.

Koko: For politicians, the parties they form are like limited liability companies. The companies are kept alive for as long as it is profitable but the moment they start losing elections and relevance, they file for bankruptcy and go back to the drawing board.

Kaka: Is that what Baba Olu Falae meant when he said a one-party state is not possible in Nigeria?

Koko: Exactly and he should know. Baba, who is a politician, a presidential candidate and now a traditional ruler said and I quote, ‘efforts will be made to have a one-party state but once the purpose for which it has been arranged is achieved, everybody goes back to his base.’

Kaka: Without every party collapsing into PDP like they are doing to APC, PDP lasted only 16 years. The way all of them are showing hot love for the ruling party, I am afraid.

Koko: I suspect they are all going there for their selfish reasons…

Kaka: Or out of vengeance…

Koko: You think they want to go and destroy APC systematically, from within?

Kaka: I know their thoughts are not pure. I know they are like cattle egrets. They do not and cannot stay in one place.

The views expressed by contributors are strictly personal and not of Law & Society Magazine.

Appreciation to all for standing by me and my family, By J.S. Okutepa

On behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank you and everyone of you for your prayers, condolence messages and visits to me and my family when I lost my daughter, Ojochide Charity Okutepa, BSc Nursing, to the cold hands of death on the 7th of June 2025. Her death was not only untimely, it was devastating and traumatising to me and my entire family. It was a sad moment for me and my family. The agony was hard and excruciating.

As a father, I could not comprehend the reason or reasons for this tragic loss. Whatever the reason, God alone is the one who knows everything. He is the one who knows the truth. He is the one who sees the hearts of hearts of all men and everything. Men can speculate and hazard all manner of guesses and stories. But God knows why and how this tragic death happened. I can’t question God. As a father, all I can say is thank you, Lord. I put my absolute trust in God.

Your prayers, visits, condolence messages, and even gifts were unquantifiable. You all stood by us in these challenging times. Your words of comfort, your prayers, and your condolence messages gave us hope and comfort. I say again your prayers, your gifts and condolence visits, and messages were unquestionably unquantifiable. Who am I and my family that you were so mindful of?

You demonstrated love and compassion for me and my family. I did not know that you loved me this much. What else can I say than to say thank you. The level of your deep love and affection for me and my family was simply unimaginable. I have nothing to say but to say thank you. You showed me love, God’s love will always be there for you. As you stood by me and my family the same way, God will stand for you and by you all the time.

I take solace in the fact that I know that God shall wipe away tears from my eyes. As the lord liveth, I shall have my peace, and there shall be no more untimely death in my family. In the book of Revelation 21:4, the Bible says: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”

The God I served knows me well. As the bible says in Job 23 :10: God knows the way that I take. In the words of the scripture: “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. See ‭‭Job‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬.
On behalf of my family, I deeply appreciate you all. May the good Lord bless you and be with you always. Thank you, and thank you

Digitisation of Federal High Court Registry: Matters arising

Introduction

Last week, a public notice was issued that the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court of Nigeria will commence digitisation of its registry effective June 23, 2025. From the reports, filing of cases and documents in the court will only be through its e-filing portal. This is contained in a press release signed by the Chief Registrar of the Court.

Commendation for Effective Management of Lagos Division

First, I must hasten to commend My Lord the Honourable the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Administrative Judge in charge of the Lagos Division of the Court and all Judges sitting in all the courts of the Lagos Division. You only need to visit the registry in Lagos to experience the pressure arising from the volume of cases being filed and handled in the Lagos Division. I do always marvel at the strength and grace with which the judges handled their cases given the volume of work involved.

The Federal High Court was originally conceived as a revenue court for the Federal Government of Nigeria in an attempt to whittle down the influence of judgments of the High Court of the States and create some balance for the determination of matters relating to the revenue of the Federation. Over the years and especially under the military administration of General Sani Abacha (Retd.), the jurisdiction of the Court was expanded to cover a range of subject matters exclusively. Since then, the workload of the Court has ballooned beyond the capacity of its personnel. This was recently made worse by the amendment to the Electoral Act to grant exclusive jurisdiction to the Court in all pre-election matters with a time limit to hear and determine them.

For some years now, the Lagos Division of the Court has undergone massive improvement in the area of assignment of cases, reform of the registry and the entire architecture of the various courts in the Division except in the area of space and sitting arrangement for lawyers and litigants in the courtrooms, which will soon be a thing of the past with the expected commissioning of the new office complex on Bourdillon Road. These reforms have become so successful and commendable such that most lawyers and litigants prefer to file their cases in the Federal High Court where the law permits a choice. The filing process is simple and friendly and the staff of the registry are very disciplined and they demonstrate a sense of accountability.

Ugly incidences of touting and sharp practice are very rare within the court given the strict adherence to rules and ethics by the entire staff. Within a week of filing any case, you are sure of its assignment to a court, even in the absence of an affidavit of urgency. This has taken commitment and tireless devotion to duty on the part of the leadership of the division no doubt and it is very commendable. One can therefore understand the need for digitisation of the process of filing cases. But there is need for caution, as filing and prosecution of cases go beyond e-filing and processing; they involve the consideration and application of fundamental issues relating to the constitutional rights of the litigants and their lawyers.

Need to Avoid Hasty Implementation

By the content of the press release issued to notify the general public of the commencement of digital filing, there is no option for manual filing of processes in the Lagos Division as from June 23, 2025, which is less than a month’s notice. This is indeed the first issue. The Federal High Court has already issued a notice of commencement of its 2025 annual long vacation from July 28 to September 16, 2025. The implementation of the e-filing regime can be delayed till the new legal year in September 2025 to give enough time for lawyers and litigants to prepare themselves for the new system. The second reason for proposing a postponement of the e-filing regime is that of facilities, space and convenience. All things being equal, the Lagos Division of the Court should relocate to its ultra-modern new court complex very soon. That should be the best time to implement a laudable idea such as this, in order to create appropriate sections and offices that are well-suited for its operations and effectiveness. The registry of the present Federal High Court cannot accommodate the volume of work associated with e-filing, at least going by the current experience in other courts where this has been experimented. But the issue does not even end with postponement of the e-filing as there are many fundamental issues that the proposal has thrown up.

Holistic Digitization

The notice of digitisation issued by the Court limits its application to only filing of cases. Now, there should be no half measures in the application of such robust innovation. It is either we are digitising the court or we are not. Will litigants file their processes digitally and judges will thereafter conduct their proceedings manually? Will it now be possible for lawyers to apply for and obtain certified true copies of record of proceedings, of rulings and judgments digitally? Will the cause list of all the courts in the Lagos Division be made available digitally on the website of the Court for all lawyers and litigants to take notice? Will lawyers and litigants be notified digitally and in advance of the itinerary of presiding judges, especially when for one reason or the other the court may not sit on any given date or occasion? In this proposed e-filing system, deponents to affidavits and statements on oath must still visit the court registry physically to swear before the Commissioner for Oaths for the process to be complete.

I urge My Lords to look into this or else it defeats the whole essence of e-filing. Then comes the issue of service of processes filed digitally. Presently, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules specify personal service of all originating processes along with the documents filed. Is the plaintiff to file his claim and documents digitally and the court will serve them manually, in cases where the email, phone number or other digital address of the defendant is not known? How will the digital regime affect substituted service of processes on the adversary by posting or by advertisement in the newspapers, all of which are carefully and deliberately provided for in the extant Rules of the Court? Service of originating processes and documents is fundamental because of the issue of fair hearing, as the court must accord due regard to the rights of all persons before the determination of their civil rights and obligations.

Effect of Absence of Durable Infrastructure on Digitisation

Then comes the issue of infrastructure. Nigeria is currently struggling with durable power supply and internet coverage. Many people rely on alternative private power supply, which involves expenses of diesel and petrol. For reasons best known to the telecommunications companies, network coverage has become very challenging. Will lawyers file their processes digitally and then come to argue their cases manually with hard copies of processes and documents already submitted electronically? What about the issue of confidentiality? Presently, documents submitted to the court are classified as strictly confidential, because they sometimes involve very private issues relating to Wills, financial details and other classified documents.

Even in the most sophisticated jurisdictions, hackers have made nonsense of digital platforms and subjected the private lives of persons to public ridicule. What about litigants and lawyers operating in remote areas, where internet coverage is very poor and there is no power supply? How do they catch up with digitization? It is important to ensure that this lofty idea is not implemented in any way that may cause justice to be out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians who are mostly the victims of abuses, violations and denial of rights. Legal practice should not be the vocation of the elites alone, given the express provisions of section 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution which grants unfettered right of access to justice to every person.

Appeal Process Cannot be Digitised

Then comes the issue of appeal and the process of settlement, compilation and transmission of record of appeal. Presently, the Court of Appeal operates a manual registry. Will record of appeal be transmitted digitally from the Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal to be printed and used manually? This is important because the Federal High Court cannot operate in isolation of other courts that it is statutorily connected and attached to.

Conclusion and Appeal

It is against this background that I humbly appeal to the authorities of the Court to consider suspending or delaying the implementation of the digital filing regime until the Lagos Division has moved to its permanent and new location. Let the staff of the court in charge of this process continue to engage and interact with the Nigerian Bar Association, lawyers and litigants for the purpose of achieving robust enlightenment. And even when it commences, let digitisation run contemporaneously with manual filing until such a time that all those who patronise the court have become accustomed with the new system, just in the same way that the Central Bank of Nigeria has continued to allow the old and new Naira notes to both co-exist as legal tenders. Innovative ideas should not deprive the people of justice that they richly deserve and desperately long.

Unravelled! Wife of ‘killer dad’ spurned his bid to rekindle marriage before he ‘murdered their three girls’

‘Killer’ dad Travis Decker attempted to repair the broken marriage with his ex-wife just a week before he allegedly suffocated and killed their three young daughters in Washington State.

Travis the Killer dad

Authorities started searching for Travis Decker’s children, Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, after they failed to return home from a scheduled visit with him on May 30. 

The sisters’ lifeless bodies were discovered at a campsite in Leavenworth last week, about 20 miles from their home. Their wrists had been bound with zip ties and each of them had been suffocated with a plastic bag.

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Just In: Amid ₦39billion renovation debacle, Wike renames Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, conducted the inauguration of the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, which now bears his name.

The event, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was attended by key government officials, including the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top functionaries.

Wike, in his speech at the ceremony, tried to justify the controversial decision to rename the centre after Tinubu, attributing the successful renovation to the President’s leadership.

He said, “It is important for the public to know and understand why this is called Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. This conference centre was built in 1991 under the military government.

“Since that time, nothing has happened to this International Conference Centre. Last year, July/August, you (Tinubu) came here to inaugurate the ECOWAS Parliament. It is an embarrassment for a country to still have this as an international conference (centre) then, and you said, ‘how can we have this’? That shows leadership.

“And you (Tinubu) said, ‘Next time you want to come here, you want to see a different international conference. Within eight months, Mr President, this is what we have. And I agree that without your leadership, it wouldn’t have been possible. You’re not the only President who has come here; so many Presidents have come here, and nobody has said this is what Nigeria needs.

“Today, this is the Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre, which can match any other international conference centre.”

The centre, initially constructed in 1991 during the military regime of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, had suffered years of neglect and underutilisation despite its prime status as a national conference facility.

In March, Wike disclosed that the renovation of the facility would cost the country a staggering N39 billion, a revelation that drew sharp criticism from many Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship and inflation.

Wike defended the cost at a media briefing in Abuja, claiming President Tinubu approved the funds and that the project was essential for Nigeria’s global image.

“I am pleased with what is happening. Julius Berger has promised us that they will complete it. The total cost is N39 billion, not N39 million,” he said.

“Furthermore, all the required materials are available. When discussing the percentage of work progress, it is essential to consider the work completed and the on-site materials. I can confidently say that work is 70 to 80 per cent complete, and they have assured us they will finish and hand it over by May.

“For everyone’s satisfaction, coming from a country like this, we cannot discuss having a befitting conference centre. What is the essence of Nigeria, the largest nation? Are we merely large in name? We travel globally and observe standards; why should our own be different?”

SaharaReporters

[Photo News] FIDA Abuja mourns with Patron, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, as daughter is buried in Abuja

Ojochide Okutepa, daughter of forthright Nigerian lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), J.S. Okutepa, was buried Tuesday at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

FIDA Abuja members at the Okutepas
Chioma Onyenucheya Uko, Chair FIDA Abuja, presents the branch’s condolence letter to Chief Okutepa, SAN, standing behind her is the Vice Chair, Adama Mohammed

Ojochide, a BSc Nursing graduate of Igbinedio University, was doing her internship with Alliance Hospital Abuja before her untimely death on 7th June 2025.

The tragic news was announced on Sunday, June 8, via a deeply emotional post shared by her father on his official Facebook page.

FIDA and NBA members pay a condolence visit to Okutepa SAN

Watch as Chief Okutepa, SAN prays for FIDA Abuja members in the video below.

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